Who is the Dalai Lama and what does he represent?

For most practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism the Dalai Lama is a figure at once both divine and human: he assumes the form of an “ordinary Buddhist monk,” but is, in fact, an enlightened Buddha who has consciously taken rebirth in order to help suffering beings. An overview of the three major traditions of Buddhism.

Why is Dalai Lama famous?

The 14th Dalai Lama, in contrast, achieved a level of visibility and celebrity that would have been unimaginable for his predecessors. He became the most famous Buddhist teacher in the world and is widely respected for his commitment both to nonviolence and to the cause of Tibetan freedom.

What is the role of the Dalai Lama and how is the Dalai Lama found?

Dalai Lamas have played a dominant role in Tibetan politics in addition to their spiritual leadership. The town hosts the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the Tibetan government in exile, which represents hundreds of thousands of Tibetans who have fled their homeland since it was annexed by China.

How did the Dalai Lama get chosen?

Following the Buddhist belief in the principle of reincarnation, the Dalai Lama is believed by Buddhists to be able to choose the body into which he is reincarnated. That person, when found, will then become the next Dalai Lama. According to Buddhist scholars it is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelugpa …

How does the Dalai Lama work?

According to Buddhist belief, the current Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of a past lama who decided to be reborn again to continue his important work, instead of moving on from the wheel of life. A person who decides to be continually reborn is known as tulku.

What is the religion of Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama Has Been the Face of Buddhism for 60 Years.

What does Dalai Lama stand for?

Ocean of Wisdom
The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally has been responsible for the governing of Tibet, until the Chinese government took control in 1959. However, the name Dalai Lama, meaning Ocean of Wisdom, was not conferred until the third reincarnation in the form of Sonam Gyatso in 1578.